It’s already been a month since I’ve been back from Ohio .. but, there is plenty to tell so here goes.  The journey began late Wednesday night with my first stop in Indianapolis, Indiana.  It was easier to break up the trip rather than drive all night.  After a good nights sleep it was off to Dayton to visit my dear friend Mrs. Sheppard.  Even at 83 she’s still very independent and full of energy.  Her late husband Walter was one of my magic mentors.  He shared his secrets of magic and woodworking .. I will always remember the many things he taught me.  After a few hours of fun and a quick trip to the grocery store to pick up some Esther Price candies, it was time to hit the road again.  The annual Magi-Fest convention begins tonight!

The weather was clear and we arrived just in time for the evening show.  Afterwards, the dealers room was open and I was like a kid in a candy store.  It’s always fun to see whats new in the world of magic.  I believe the close-up show was on the same night and I really looked forward to seeing some real sleight-of-hand. It was past midnight before it was time to grab a little something at the local Waffle House.  It was a long day .. and the adventure was just beginning.

The talent contest began at 8am but, you guessed it .. I opted for sleep.  Of course I do have my priorities .. and sleep comes first even though I really do enjoy the contests. I rolled out of bed around 10am only to discover it was snowing … and it was coming down heavy.  They were forecasting eight inches or so for the weekend.  I’m not sure what the final total was but, there was really no better place to be snowed in than with 600 fellow magicians!

The first stop of the day was to see my good friends at Cabbage Cases in Columbus, Ohio.  My buddy Mike Hannah took Carol and me to lunch at a fun place called Cap City Fine Diner .. everything was awesome! Afterward we headed back to the factory for my annual show.  I perform right there in the middle of the factory for the crew. It’s a fun break in the day for them and I really enjoy performing for some very hard working people.  They manufacture many of the ATA style cases used to transport my equipment from show to show.  They always treat me like royalty and I look forward to seeing them each year.

It was time to make our way through some of the snow covered highways back to the convention at the north end of town.  There were a few lectures in the afternoon that I wanted to catch along with meeting up with my good friend Tom Rozoff.  He was arriving later that day and we would grab some dinner before the evening show.  We met up at Bob Evan’s although I really had a taste for a couple of Skyline Coney Dogs. For some reason the waitress didn’t get around to our table fast enough .. and we were on a schedule that night.  We made a quick exit and headed across the street to .. you guessed it Skyline!

Stay tuned for the rest of the trip …

Yes, it’s been much too long since my last post.  If you’re reading this .. then you’ve survived the holidays and that’s a good thing.  January is a month to catch up on things for most of us … so let’s see what I can fill you in on.  My good friend Terry Evanswood and his crew came up to perform at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, IL.  I’ve worked with Terry on and off stage many times over the years.  We basically grew up together and he’s one of my best friends.

The show was scheduled for the second weekend of January.  First show on Saturday evening and a matinee on Sunday.  For those who don’t know what all is involved .. let me try to explain.

After the truck is loaded with props and costumes, Terry and his cast made the twelve hour drive from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.   They arrived late in the evening on Friday night.  After a few hours sleep, they arrive at the theater around 9am.  The load-in begins and I arrive soon afterwards with my equipment.  I’m there with additional illusions and special effects for the show.

It seems early enough in the day but, problems begin to arise.  The main curtain won’t open or close .. and the clock is ticking.  The theater is nearly 100 years old … and in many ways it shows it’s age.  We have to deal with it .. and fast.  A few hours later the curtain is repaired .. or so we think, and rehearsal begins.

My responsibilities include pulling the ropes, moving and setting the illusions, lighting .. and special effects.  Let’s just say .. I could have used an extra set of hands.   I had a long list of cues that were simply scribbled down on some scrap paper.   Yes, it’s a bit messy but,  it will have to do.

The props are  set and we’re ready to run through the show. With the first cue, we discover that the curtains are off track once again.  This time they’re stuck in the closed position.  Now were facing a real dilemma .. we may have to cancel the show tonight.

After a brief lunch break, I decide to take a closer look at the cause of the problem.  I soon discover the rope is off the pulleys on stage right.  Sounds like a simple fix but,  it’s up about 35 feet in the air.  I’m not much for climbing a ladder so, we manage to get the curtain open and come up with plan B.   This is an old movie house so the screen can be brought up and down.  Sounds simple enough .. but, it’s on ropes and it’s heavy.   This of course would become one of my tasks .. and not an easy one.

Now we’re only hours away from show time .. and no time for a full rehearsal.   This is often the case but, because we are all professionals .. we pull it all together.  This time around .. I even had my doubts but, once the show begins .. we made it look as smooth as could be.  Sure there were a few missed cues but, Terry is so comfortable on stage .. he makes it all work out.  He recently completed a run of 1500 show in Pigeon Forge in just three years.

The show runs a bit long and I think I made it home around midnight or so.  After a bit of sleep it was time to do it all again.  The matinee would be a lot easier on all of us as we’re already set up and we’ve got the bugs worked out from the night before.  The house is nearly full and the show goes like clockwork today.  Terry and the cast sign autographs afterwards while the crew begins to strike the show.

A few hours later we’re loading the truck in the bitter cold.  We all worked hard and worked together as a team.  The hours are long and we faced many challenges along the way .. but, it’s all part of the game.  I can’t think of anything more rewarding than working with friends like Terry and his team.

Steve

Another month has flown by and this should be my busy season.  Although things seem to be picking up  .. they are far from seasons past.  Back around 1994 we were running around sometimes doing up to five shows a day.

Of course not every one can pull that off .. but, we did. Sure, I did have some help and when we were rolling .. we were like a well-oiled machine.  Back then there were four of us that would travel together.  Most of the time it was my brother Jeff working sound and lights, my onstage sidekick “Flounder” and my girlfriend Tina as the box-jumper. For those not in the know, box-jumper is an old school term for the girl getting in and out of boxes. In my show they are better known as the Chezababes .. and yes, there have been many over the years.

Believe me this was no easy task .. especially out here when the winter weather can really wreak havoc on the driving conditions. As soon as we would arrive to a gig I would check things out. In a matter of minutes I would decide what equipment we would pull out of the van and the set-up would begin. Once the cases were in my brother and Flounder would set-up the sound, lighting and backdrops. Tina would set most of the show and the costumes. I was in charge of setting the illusions and solving any problems that arose. The show was always the easiest part of the day .. its the load-in and load-out that was the most work.

The show ran like clock work. Once and effect or illusion was done, it would go backstage and get packed. By the end of the show just about everything was ready to go. The sound and lights would come down as Tina and I were signing autographs.  We were back in my 1982 Chevy van and on our way to the next gig. This of course was long before Mapquest and any type of GPS.  We did this hundreds of times .. it was pretty crazy.  Above you’ll see us goofing around backstage .. we had a lot of fun times together.  Tina was amazing on and off stage.  Her smile lit up the room, her laugh was contagious ..  I’ll never forget her.

These days I’ve had to keep things much simpler. Most gigs are just one of the girls and myself.  They have to pull double duty and run the sound during the show.  This of course helps keep the cost down as most budgets have been slashed.  We’re still happy to work with a smaller show, it’s just a matter of adapting to our market.

Let me just take a second and wish you and your family the best of times this holiday season.  Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa .. whatever you’re into.  As long as it’s peaceful, I’m cool with that …

Steve

Nothing is better than the smell of fall in the air and an extra hour of sleep.  If you haven’t done so already we turned back the clocks last night.  I can’t tell you how valuable an extra hour of time is for me.  It seems that I just keep getting pulled in so many different directions .. that there just isn’t time for myself.  Lets just say it’s no fun being a grown up.

Last month was pretty exciting .. had a lot going on.  Once again this year, I had a run of shows at the Naper Settlement.  Of course working outside proved to be challenging but, I came prepared this time.  The first night it was a constant drizzle and the second night was cold.  I still couldn’t believe the number of people that come out for their “All Hallows Eve” event.  The numbers were up despite the weather.

I did make some time for a bit of fun and we headed up to Milwaukee the other night to see my friend David Seebach’s show.   My brother Jeff, Valerie and Carol made the journey.  The Friday evening traffic threw my timing off a little bit but, we made it in just as the show started.  A quick stop at Steak ‘n Shake made the night complete.

Tonight we’re trying something new, a dinner and show package at the Lincoln Inn Batavia.  My good friend Ken Mate will be sharing the bill and hopefully I’ll see some of my friends there.  Details are on the home page of my site.

Next week .. I’ve got to bring Rex to the dentist.  I’m a little nervous about all that but, he’s got a chipped fang that needs to be looked at.  I’ll feel better once that is all taken care of.  I’ve got a couple of gigs and then .. we’re going to see KISS in Chicago on Friday.  We’ve got some decent seats so it should be very cool.  If you haven’t heard, their new album “Sonic Boom” came out last month.  I suggest you get your copy and turn it up!

I guess that’s about it for now,  time to run once again …

Steve

It’s always been a special time of year for me .. the fall is just beautiful in Chicago.  I can still remember my dad mowing the lawn with his shirt off.  My brother would be planted on the couch watching the football game.  Of course things were much simpler back then and time just keeps flying by.  If only I could turn back the clock .. now that would be magic.

As I write .. it is the last Sunday in September.  I have some stories to catch up on still .. and I will get to all the summer fun.  I’ve also got a lot of cool stuff coming up and I wanted to fill you in on some of that too.  First off .. I’ve been writing for an online magic publication called the New Tops.  If you wonder over to Abbott’s Magic online you’ll find some very cool stuff.   Not only is it a great source for information by some of the top professionals across the country ..  you’ll find the best, hand-crafted magic props made right here in the USA.  Check then out .. I can’t say enough good things about them.

For all my friends that have an iPod at their side .. I taped my very first Podcast interview.  It will be online this Monday 09/28 and you can find it on iTunes in the Podcast section.  Simply look up iTricks and you’ll you’ll here the latest news in the magic world.  I’ve never done an interview on the computer .. it was interesting and I think you’ll enjoy it.

Rocktober is upon us and my calendar is filling up.  Speaking of calendars .. I picked up a new desk calendar for next year.  I still like writing my schedule down … so I can see it, on paper.  I can’t tell you how many of my friends have been hounding me to get an iPhone so I’ll have it all at my fingertips.  It is an amazing gadget .. and I just love Apple stuff but,  do I really need it?  To tell you the truth .. I don’t talk much on the phone anymore, and I don’t want to be bothered 24/7.  I know it’s invaluable for travel .. but, I’m pretty much done for the year now.  If you have any words of wisdom .. drop me a note,  I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time ..

Steve

Yes, I’ve got plenty of explaining to do .. it’s been well over a month or two and I haven’t had time to update things.  Right now I’m suppose to be up at the Wisconsin Dells .. but, things got messed up.  I’ll eventually get up there … maybe.  I’ve been going non stop since July .. we performed at the 72nd Annual Abbott’s Magic Get-Together and I just returned a few days ago from Magic Live in Las Vegas.  I’ve got tons of stories and pics to share .. all in due time,  I will get to it eventually.

Tonight I’m going to catch up on some sleep .. it’s just perfect sleeping weather tonight.  I’ve got the windows open and fall is in the air.  I can’t wait to see the leaves change color .. it’s my favorite time of year.

Steve

Again .. lets give this a shot.  It’s almost 2am and I’m just sitting down to type this out.  In real time it will be August tomorrow .. and I’m still writing about my adventures in June.  I’ve been busy getting things ready for our show at Abbott’s next week .. and if I keep this schedule up, I’ll be writing about all that in October.  I can’t even imagine it will be fall before you know it.

I’m flipping my calendar back to the end of June .. I made a field trip with my brother to the Brookfield Zoo.  We met up with my friend Carol and her mother on a very warm day in the Chicago area.  To make things more complicated .. you guessed it, my brother was still in a wheelchair.  The zoo was .. alright, half the exhibits were closed .. yet, they still charged full price at the gate.  I was really looking forward to the Reptile House .. and sure enough, it was closed for remodeling.  I can still remember what a thrill it was to see all the giant snakes when I was a child.  Who knew I would “talk” with snakes when I grew up.  We survived our adventure .. I was pretty beat afterward,  my brother just sat back and enjoyed the ride.

The following day was one we were both looking forward to.  I think it had been five years since we saw KISS play live.  We made the drive up to Milwaukee’s Summerfest to see our favorite band once again. The fest is a pretty big deal and there were over 18,000 other KISS fans there to join in the fun.  This time around would be a little different .. seating in the handicap section.  It was the only way my brother would be able to see the show, and it worked out just fine.  I was happy to be there .. anywhere.  KISS never disappoints and the show was simply awesome!  The band is celebrating 35 years and played many of their classic tunes.  We slowly made our way back to the car .. and grabbed  some Burger King for the ride home.  I’ve been a KISS fan since I was just a kid .. I still get excited when the curtain drops, and the band comes down from the rafters.  There is nothing better than a KISS concert .. nothing!

The following week was the Forth of July and Naperville hosts and event called Ribfest.  Food, fun and fireworks .. sounds good to me.  This time around my brother stayed home as the event is in a grass field.  Getting around would have been a bit of a challenge .. actually, near impossible.  The event has grown in size over the years and some big name acts have played right here in town.  I went with my buddy Paul to see Heart on Thursday and Huey Lewis & the News on Sunday.  We made our way near the front of the stage for both bands .. and they sounded great.  I was really surprised at how many hits Huey had back in the 80’s.  They played him so  much on MTV that I was sick of them back then.  Now, it’s fun to hear the old tunes and remember what was going on back then.  I ordered their Greatest Hits CD from Amazon a few days later.

We are well into July now .. and my cousins are coming over for a visit.  My little buddy Rex made a new friend .. as you can see they both had fun playing in the backyard and getting some fresh air.  Rex is always very gentle and patient with little ones .. even at his size. We relaxed and had some dinner with family .. after all, isn’t that what summer is all about??

Steve

Wow .. I left off last month burning the candle at both ends.  Not only was I taking care of my mother but, I was also carting my brother around in a wheelchair.  I’ll see if I can bring things up to date as a lot has transpired in the past month.

We managed to attend a Kane County Cougars game and once again that wasn’t easy with my brother on crutches.  Only a week later we would be in a crowd of 20,000 screaming KISS fans .. so I figured this would be a good test run.  We stuck around for the fireworks after the game and it was nice to sit and relax for a few hours.

The following week was interesting .. I think I was driving my brother back home from a few hours at his work in Aurora.  He still couldn’t drive at the time and we needed mother’s car to get him around.  It was hot out and mother’s car has been around for some time.  It was a 1993 Lincoln Town Car with plenty of room in the back seat. That’s what was key here .. otherwise I would have to take the van to get him around.  So .. we’re on our way and I’ve got the air on.  I smell something buring .. figured it was outside.  We roll down the windows .. and the smell seems to follow us.  Then there’s a little plume of black smoke near the front end .. my brother starts to panic.  Fire .. fire! Get me out of here!!  I of course didn’t panic but, I knew something wasn’t right.  We were only a mile or so from home and I figured we would make it .. fire or no fire.  His leg is still locked in a brace, his crutches are in back .. and he’s freaking out.  I of course made fun of him as he couldn’t get far in or out of the car.  As you guessed we made it home alive .. and my friend Paul diagnosed the problem over the phone.  It was the drivers side caliper .. part of the brakes that was sticking.  You couldn’t even touch the rim on the drivers side it was so hot.

I knew it was a simple fix but, to appease mother I said I would take her to look at cars that night.  Well, we went staight to the local Lincoln dealer .. Rizza of Naperville.  With the amount of driving my mother does .. she really didn’t need something brand new.  It seemed as if someone was looking out for us as the dealership just took in a late model Town Car with all the options .. even a moon roof.  I would be doing most of the driving and for some reason this was a  key selling point for me.  That and the fact that it only had 17,000 miles on it.   I normally don’t rush into things … but, I really didn’t want to pass this one up.  I’ve bought plenty of cars and I wanted to make sure mother got a good deal.  It was near closing time so I told him I would be back at noon to take it for a ride.  At the same time I arranged for Paul to repair my mother’s car over night.  I carefully  drove over to his house and then he could drive it to his gig at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Warrenville the very next day.

After dropping Jeff off at rehab, I returned with mother to the dealership and we took it for a test ride.  It was a smooth ride and it was just a matter of making a deal.  I really never expected to find a car that fast but, like I said .. I think it was there for us.   Of course we had to take it off the lot .. that’s how they do business and .. I would drop off mother’s old car the following day.  You see ..Paul was repairing the brakes at the very same time.  So,  I left my car at the dealership as I was the only one driving in the family.  We grabbed my brother, had some lunch and then I had to work at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Naperville that night.  I met up with Paul, my mom and brother for dinner and then drove Paul back to his house.  Now it was just a matter of dropping off mother’s old car and picking up mine at the dealership.  Everything went smooth and sure enough they were impressed with her old car.  In fact .. the business manager sold my father the car back in 1995.  I guess you could say we’re loyal customers.

Now at least,  it’s one less thing that mother can complain about .. she’s got a new set of wheels!

Steve

Let’s give this another shot,  I had half of this written the other day and it’s lost in cyberspace.  Again we’re going back about a month ago, I left off right before my birthday.  My brother had recently injured his knee and he was going in for surgery right after Memorial Day.  My birthday was on May 23 .. so, we loaded up the van and headed out to Medieval times.  Jeff already had some sort of brace on so getting around was a bit difficult.  Once we arrived at the castle in Schaumburg, they were very accommodating getting my brother a wheelchair and getting us seated.  Joining us for the festivities was Paul, Val, Tony and my mother .. or “Ma” as we call her.  The show was a fun time and of course you have to eat with your hands .. like back then.  I had Pepsi to keep things authentic.  Afterward we came back home and opened a few gifts .. I picked most of them out, as you can imagine I’m difficult to shop for.

We had a little cook out on Memorial Day, I had a show earlier .. so Paul did most of the cooking.  I think it was raining on and off .. but we made the most of it.  My brothers surgery was the next morning .. and I don’t know about him but, I would have been terrified.  He was facing three hours or more under the knife.  He tore his acl and his meniscus on his right leg .. goofing around with one of his friends.  I can’t get into details as it would be too embarrassing for my little brother.  I dropped him and mother off at the hospital and stuck around for a little bit.  I had to get home to take care of my zoo, grab some lunch and headed back.  After surgery he was pretty much out of it and we managed to get him home.  For the next week or so he would be camped out on the couch downstairs.  He seemed to be doing alright .. that was until the drugs wore off.  It must have been 3am or so when the screams of pain echoed through the house.  Let’s just say it was a long night.

Therapy began a few days later and of course, I’m carting him around too.  My mother has rehab on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  My brothers sessions are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday  .. now you’re getting the picture.  I have little time to myself these days.  When I have an occasional gig .. I’m glad to get out of the house!  My days are long and I don’t know what direction I’m going most of the time.  It’s a good thing I’m healthy .. otherwise we would be in big trouble.

Once again we performed at Carol Stream Fest earlier in the month.  As much as I like to prepare for things, it was a challenge to get things under control. We were going to be on the main stage but, the weather was questionable at best.  We wound up under the Bingo tent .. ya, my career is skyrocketing.  The wind was cutting through and just as we began .. the band across the way started playing.  It was a train wreck .. but we did what we could.  I licked my wounds and headed home.

I guess we’re just about caught up for now .. lets see 11am mother to a doctors appointment, then Jeff to rehab at noon .. then pick up mother, then Jeff  … it never ends.

Steve

Can you believe it’s almost been a month since I wrote last .. neither can I.  To tell you the truth .. there’s been plenty going on and I’ll try to get it all in.  We left off at the end of April .. I’m looking at my calendar to go over things.  Let’s see .. Britney Spears was in town for two shows,  I missed that.  She was even performing some illusions in the show .. and she really did a great job.  I always knew she would be an outstanding box-jumper .. that’s what we call the girls in the show.  Actually in my show they’re called Chezababes .. and I’ve got some news on two of our girls in just a bit.

Once again I taught a Magic Mini Course with Angel at Beebe Elementary School here in Naperville.  The kids were well behaved and I think they really enjoyed learning some magic to show their friends.  At the very same time my mother was out of town for two weeks .. it was more like a vacation for me to tell you the truth.  I’m pretty much her personal valet 24/7 so .. I finally had some time to myself.  I had some shows here and there so things are finally picking up.  I also started taking some private lessons at the Apple Store to learn how to use this thing.  It’s called One to One and it’s been very helpful.  I’m a visual learner and I just need someone to hold my hand while I learn.  I’ve actually managed to transfer my iTunes and iPhoto library over to the new iMac.  For most this is no big deal .. but for me, it’s huge.

In my time off I’ve been back and forth to different vets with my little ones.  Rex caught some bug and wasn’t feeling very well so, I had to get him some meds and alter his diet.  He recovered in just a few days and is back to his old self.  My little girl Jenna, a blue & gold Macaw, injured one of her talons and that was pretty messed up.  She wouldn’t put any weight on it and was very limited in her mobility.  This really tore me up .. I didn’t know what to do.  We went to our vet and got some meds for her.  These were to be administered orally .. no easy task when you’re dealing with a parrot.  I think I would up wearing most of the medication as she shook it from her beak.  After two weeks she’s seems to be just fine.  Today I gave her a shower and she’s waiting to play for a few minutes as it’s almost her bed time.  It really broke my heart to see her suffer .. I couldn’t even think straight.

In other news .. my little brother turned 39 on May 7th.  Just last weekend he did something to his knee and it looks like he might need surgery this time around.  Not only do I have to cart my mother around .. now I’m his personal chauffeur.  He’s been spending much of his time on the couch and catching up on a stack of DVDs I gave him for his birthday.  I think we’ll watch the “Wrestler” sometime this weekend.

Mother returned from Florida with a touch of a cold or flu.  This of course is just as the Swine Flu is spreading across the U.S. She’s fine now .. even took her out to Kohl’s tonight,  so if she’s shopping .. we’re OK. My friend David Seebach was in over the weekend and we had a nice time working on a few ideas after his show in Elmhurst.  Almost forgot my buddy Drew Peterson is finally spending some quality time in jail.  This of course is a sore subject but, I’m sure he’ll be out on bail in a matter of time.  It’s actually kind of nice that he’s behind bars .. this way I don’t have to hear about him in the news for a change.  I do feel bad for the kids though .. they will ultimately suffer over the situation.  I guess he should have kept better track of his wives.  I’m biting my tounge of course.  Stacy never deserved her fate,  she was just a young girl looking for a better life.  I’ve known her since she was just a little girl .. it’s all very sad.

Yes, there is some good news to leave you with .. our very own Chezababe Angel got engaged over the weekend and Greg and Quissy had their second child just the other day.  Little Sean was born in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Oh .. and before I forget, my friend Carol turns 29 tomorrow.  She’s fast approaching 30 .. and you know it’s all down hill from there! Can you believe .. my birthday is coming up in just a few days, on the 23rd.  Of course I can’t reveal my true age .. some things are better kept secret.

I guess you can say I’ve been a bit busy … you wonder why it takes me so long to catch up on things.  Your head must still be spinning .. right??

Steve